All wheel or 4WD explanation

[bigtbasser]

We have had our 97' LX450 for 15 years and have never understood how the drivetrain works. I don't have a switch to lock the wheels like is stated in the manual. I only have the shifter to place in low range. Can someone please give me an explanation on how the wheels are driven when in normal operation and in low range? The truck is great on slick roads here is Idaho. Thanks T

 

[86tuning]

You will want to look up how differentials work on howstuffworks.com. They explain it with pictures and stuff. You might also want to look it up on YouTube because a movie is worth a hundred pics.

Then realize that there are three open diffs on our cars under normal operation. Equal torque is distributed to all four tires with full time 4wd.

In low range, the center diff is locked and it works like any other 4wd truck at that point.

 

[Slabsides45]

Check the FAQ here on mud, too. From one of the FAQ tagged threads:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/12828-differences-4wd-awd-full-time-4wd.html

 

[IdahoDoug]

Best setup out there on an SUV for slick roads. Add winter tires and the 80 is unstoppable. Over 400k miles driven in them and counting....